When you look at the Code of Ethics for ACA and for ASCA you can see there are many differences between School counselors and CMHC.

Here are some of the main differences I see..

Role Certified School Counselor

Caseload300-600 students

DiagnosisDo not diagnosis/refer out to CMHC

FocusPrevention work and focus on issues related to academic, personal/social and career

Parental consentDo not need consent to see students. School counselor is part of the students' education.

InterventionsIndividual counseling short term, small group-psychoeducational,

skillbuilding, classroom/large group lessons, prevention

AssessmentGenerally not doing assessments or administering mental health assessment Sometimes you may screen but generally the job on the school psychologist unless it is a universal screener given to all students.

SpecializationWork with ALL students

Confidentiality- Covered by FERPA

Role Certified Mental Health Counselor

Caseload10-30 clients seen weekly or biweekly

DiagnosisDiagnose and bill insurance

FocusMental health treatment

Parental consentNeed consent to see any children or adolescents

InterventionsIndividual counseling focused on goals and treatment outcomes, small group treatment.

AssessmentTrained to administer and interpret mental health assessments used in making diagnoses or building a treatment plan.

SpecializationMay only work with children or adolescents with a particular set of symptoms or diagnoses, such as anxiety, PTSD, etc.

Confidentiality- Covered by HIPPA

What are your thoughts on the differences? Is there anything I missed? Which do you think you would prefer and why?